German Army to Receive 500 Modern FIM-92K Stinger Missiles MANPADS through NATO Support.

On June 28, 2024, the Bundestag's budget committee approved a significant order of 500 Stinger missiles from the United States. This acquisition, carried out via a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) procedure, aims to replenish the Bundeswehr's stock after the transfer of 500 missiles to Ukraine. The total cost of this operation is estimated at approximately 395 million euros for 506 missiles of the modern FIM-92K Block I variant, equipped with proximity fuzes.
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Raytheon FIM-92 Stinger missile (Picture source: US DoD)

The supplier of these systems is the American giant Raytheon, also known for producing the Patriot air defense system. Stinger missiles, known as Fliegerfaust 2 in the Bundeswehr, are widely used portable air defense systems (MANPADS) by armed forces in many countries.

The Stinger systems are utilized in various configurations within the Bundeswehr. They can be shoulder-launched, integrated into light air defense systems, and mounted on combat helicopters like the Tiger. The new Skyranger armored anti-aircraft vehicles of the army will be the first to be equipped with versions without proximity fuzes.

The Fliegerfaust 2 Stinger is capable of neutralizing aerial targets at low and medium altitudes, at distances up to six kilometers and altitudes up to three kilometers. Operating on a "fire-and-forget" principle, these missiles automatically home in on their targets after the passive seeker head is activated.

The order for the 506 MANPADS will be managed through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), which has placed a group order for 940 Stingers from the United States, also covering the needs of the Netherlands and Italy. The Bundeswehr is expected to receive approximately half of its order between 2028 and 2029.

The funding for this acquisition will come from Chapter 60 of the federal budget, which is also used to support partner countries. This decision underscores Germany's commitment to maintaining robust air defense capabilities and supporting its allies within NATO operations.

The partnership between Raytheon and the Bundeswehr extends beyond the Stinger missiles. The American manufacturer plays a crucial role in supplying sophisticated defense systems, ensuring that the German armed forces have access to the most advanced technologies for their national and international defense missions.

This new order of Stingers highlights Germany's focus on modernizing its air defense capabilities in a global context marked by increasing tensions and the need for heightened vigilance.

The Fliegerfaust 2 Stinger is a portable air defense system designed to engage aerial targets at low and medium altitudes. This system is notable for its easy transportability and use by a two-person team, though it can be fired by a single operator. The Stinger measures 1.5 meters in length, has a diameter of 70 millimeters, and the missile itself weighs 10.1 kilograms, with the total weight including the launch tube being 15.2 kilograms.

The system offers an effective range of up to 4.8 kilometers and can engage targets up to an altitude of 3.8 kilometers. The missile reaches a maximum speed of Mach 2.54 (approximately 1,930 mph or 864 m/s) thanks to its two-stage solid propellant motor. It uses an infrared guidance system with a passive seeker, operating on a "fire-and-forget" principle, allowing the missile to automatically home in on its target after launch, giving the operator the opportunity to take cover or prepare for another attack.

The missile is equipped with a 1.02-kilogram explosive warhead composed of a mix of HMX, TNT, and aluminum powder (HTA-3). The warhead features an impact fuze with a self-destruct timer set to activate 17 seconds after launch.

The Fliegerfaust 2 Stinger is designed to be used against enemy aircraft and helicopters. Its ability to acquire head-on targets maximizes the time available to engage and destroy threats. It is widely used by numerous armed forces around the world due to its effectiveness and reliability. Modern versions, such as the FIM-92K Block I, include significant improvements, particularly in resistance to countermeasures and advanced technologies to enhance battlefield effectiveness.